Six years ago, the Pottsville School Board voted to establish a football program. The district had never had a football team, except the six-man team that was discontinued in the 1930s. Everyone knew there would be some growing pains, but that was understandable.

Phil Collins was named head coach, and built the program for five years. With Collins' retirement at the end of the 2006 season, a search began to find a replacement. It didn't take long to find one, and he wasn't far away. The school board hired Hector coach Brian Rust as the Apaches' next football coach.

With two-a-day practices under way, Rust is adding to the firm foundation Collins built as Pottsville looks to be more competitive in 2007.

"Practice has gone really well this week. We have been able to put a lot of stuff in," Rust said. "The kids are working extremely hard. They have really been getting after it. I can't tell you how pleased I am with their effort."

Rust said the Arkansas River Valley heat and humidity was one of the toughest factors his team had to overcome the past week, but he was happy with the way the Apaches handled it.

"We did a lot of conditioning on Monday. Things looked a lot better Tuesday and Wednesday," Rust said. "We got after it Thursday when we got the pads on. Friday, we had the best practice of the entire week. It is good to end on a positive note."

Rust said he was proud of the number of kids who were out for football, and senior leadership was outstanding.

"We have around 40 kids out for two-a-days. That is a pretty good number for a program that didn't even exist seven years ago," Rust said. "Not many people have missed, which is a testament to their work ethic. The seniors have done everything that has been asked of them. All of these kids are wore out. They have never been pushed this hard."

Rust said the main focus the first week was the offense.

"We have been working on the offense more this past week than anything," Rust said. "We attended two team camps this summer, and I am really pleased with where we are right now offensively. We still have a few things to work, on such as blocking schemes and stuff like that."

The coach said defensive work would begin soon.

"We haven't worked on the defense a whole lot yet. We still have got some spots to fill," Rust said. "We will do a lot of looking and evaluating over the next few weeks. Really, we have a lot of good competition on both sides of the ball."

Rust complimented Collins on teaching the Apaches fundamentals, but said there was still some work to be done to get the team to the point they want to be.

"I think coach Collins did a good job with them football wise, but this is a young program and these kids are still learning," Rust said. "We have a bit of a luxury with our numbers. We will be able to play some guys only one way, but for the most part, we will have guys going both ways. I will say that we are the hardest-working team around."

Rust said he expected a residual lapse from spring ball, but was pleased with how much the team had retained over the summer.

"I am extremely happy with where we are in our progression. I thought there would have to be some reteaching since we are putting a new offensive scheme," Rust said. "I really didn't think we would be this far after one week of practice. These kids are busting their tales, and all the hard work they put in during the spring and summer is really paying off."

Rust said he was really surprised the way the community has embraced him and the young program.

"The community support has been incredible. The way the parents have been out here every day to support us has been great," Rust said. "The parents had a pool party for the team on Tuesday and every day after practice, they have drinks or popsicles. The community has really embraced this team."

Pottsville opens the season Aug. 31 when it welcomes West Fork to John Needham Stadium.